SWAN Hill’s Colts side have claimed their first premiership since 2017, dashing Lake Boga’s hopes of a three-peat in a thrilling fightback win.
The young Swans turned on the style late in the game, and held onto the lead once they overcame their slow start to win 13.10 (88) to 10.17 (77).
The Magpies burst out of the gates from the opening siren, Max O’Reilly kicking the game’s first goal just three minutes into the first quarter.
After the Swans peppered the goals to little avail, it was Wilhelm Bennett who stepped up and kicked the Swans’ first with a booming left-footed goal from just within 50.
From there, it was all Lake Boga – kicking five consecutive goals through Kai Everett, Morgan Ryder, Nick Taylor and Koben Ryan to carry a 32-point lead into the first break.
It became clear that the McCallum Street end was the scoring end in the second quarter, with the Swans kicking seven goals to the Magpies’ two with the assistance of the breeze.
Goals to Paddy Hufer, Harry Graham, Harry Scott and Lane Cardenas brought the margin back to just three points at the major break.
The third quarter saw the game become an arm-wrestle, both sides attempting to gain the ascendency in the midfield while not allowing their opponent to find space.
As the wind continued to swirl and the pressure rose, goals were at a premium – each side kicking one each for the quarter with numerous wayward shots.
While it was the Swans who managed more scoring shots for the term, the Magpies held onto a slender two-point lead into the final break.
With little separating the two sides going into the final term, both gave their all to will their team to a premiership.
Kaillum Polglase started the Swans off perfectly two minutes into the quarter, slotting his first goal of the game and giving the Swans their first lead.
Sam Scott kicked added to the Swans tally with a set-shot, following a courageous mark as he flew back with the flight of the ball.
Nick Taylor’s second goal breathed life into the Magpies side, but the Swans quashed any momentum and strangled the Lake Boga ball-movement.
Scott’s second goal proved to be the sealer, as the Swans held onto their 11-point lead to be crowned premiers.
Swans’ star Sonny Beasy was adjudged as best on ground for the match, leading the Swans pack that included a number of worthy recipients.
Beasy was at the heart of the Swans’ engine room, bursting through packs with pace while showing a strong understanding of what tempo was needed in the game’s big moments.
His influence shone in the game’s latter stages, providing a cool head and moving into defence to ensure the Swans held strong, and controlled the game in the final moments.
Lleyton Purcell also provided strong run from the wing, while Wilhem Bennett, who kicked three, and Lachlan Vrolijks were integral with their drive all game.
Lake Boga midfielder Koben Ryan gave his all for the Magpies, kicking two goals alongside Koben Ryan and Nick Taylor, who were also amongst the Magpies better players.
Xavier Sherlock, Harry Bryan, Willem Pye and Bodi Clune were also impressive for Lake Boga.
